St Francis Xavier’s Parish Youth, Velim in collaboration with the parish pastoral council organised Sao Joao Fiesta, a celebration of culture, food, and music. The evening was an opportunity for people of Velim to celebrate its rich tradition and relive the yesteryears. Everyone participated with a spirit of oneness. The event began with the youth animator Fr Ronaldo blessing the well-decorated well. The seven-piece brass band led the people in a procession to the event square. Cultural programmes, dances, Konkani songs, games and competitions enthralled the audience.
Goa’s young and vibrant band Black Shappire and DJ Lovic were perfect mood setters for the rain dance. Traditional Goan mouth-watering delicacies were served to people.
The annual Sao Joao celebrations at Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim was held with traditional fervour by the cultural committee. Students decked in colourful outfits thronged the campus which was traditionally decorated using ‘bonderam’ and coconut fronds.
The day started with a prayer service dedicated to St John the Baptist followed by the students making the traditional ‘kopel’ using resources from nature. A parade wearing the ‘kopel’ was then held which was backed by a splendid band performance by the students. The band kept the spirit of the day by singing songs on Sao Joao and ‘Konkani Masala’.
The day progressed with traditional games like, breaking the coconut, breaking the pot, spot games, etc, where the students participated in large numbers. The rains did not seem to lessen the enthusiasm of the students and the staff who were seen to be enjoying to the fullest. The tradition of gifting ‘vojem’ to the newly wedded staff members was carried forward.
The Guardian Angel Church Catechetical Association, celebrated the annual festival of Sao Joao by organising various cultural programmes in the church premises.
The celebration began in the presence of parish priest Fr Vital Miranda and assistant Parish Priest Fr Jovier Barretto. A large number of parishioners joined in the prayer service. A prayer dance by the Catechetical students was held. Many parishioners including children wearing colourful ‘kopels’ presented various cultural activities, including short skits on the life of different saints, songs, and dances.
Earlier in the day a traditional sweet competition was held where many sweet dishes prepared by the parishioners were showcased.
On the occasion, a few Muslim brothers who helped the Church in conducting final rites of the dead during the COVID-19 pandemic were felicitated.
The staff and students of Regina Maryrum High School, Assolna celebrated Sao Joao with gusto.
The day began with a prayer service, followed by the enactment of a skit titled, ‘A Journey with John the Baptist’. A ‘kopel’ making contest was organised for the primary and the secondary students. The pre-primary teachers along with the tiny tots organised a game depicting local fruits for Sao Joao.
Further, the students enjoyed themselves dancing, eating and sharing the local fruits in the school park.
The Parent-Teacher Association executive members prepared and served some mouth-watering traditional ‘attol’ on a banana. Later a traditional sweet dish making contest was organised for parents.
The judges for the day were Neeraj Aguiar, Alvaro Velose and Sanzilan Aguiar, all from the Nusi Maritime Academy, Assolna who were escorted by the manager Fr Mansueto Fernandes and headmistress Miriam Afonso. 49 parents participated in the competition. A meal was shared at the end of the programme to show the bond of love and togetherness.